By Greg Ellison, Staff Writer

(Nov. 9, 2017) A community fundraiser for Harvest Moon Tavern owner Hoss McCormack, to help cover medical expenses from a severe lung infection, is scheduled for Sunday from 2-6 p.m. at the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Department.

Health issues sent McCormack to Atlantic General Hospital on Oct. 9. On the following day he was airlifted to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.

Tammy Velenovsky, Harvest Moon co-owner, said McCormack, who lacks health insurance, is not scheduled to come home anytime soon.

“He’s going to be there probably for another month at least,” she said.

When McCormack was moved to Baltimore, Velenovsky said the lung infection was so bad doctors immediately placed him in a medically induced coma.

“They have taken him out of the coma, but its going to be a slow recovery,” she said.

As word of McCormack’s plight spread, an outpouring of community support began to surface.

The Snow Hill Chamber of Commerce, who filled in for McCormack to handle beer sales at the recent Oktoberfest, donated all proceeds to the cause.

Now, Velenovsky has joined with Ray Wooten and

Dwayne Mease for the fundraiser on Sunday, which will include food, a cash bar, donated silent auction and raffle items, and musical performers including Ted Elliott, Chris Miller, DJ Dale Smack, and Margot and Angel Resto.

Velenovsky also promised a barbecue-themed food spread, with pulled pork, spiral ham, deli trays, chicken barbecue and oysters on the half shell.

Snow Hill Middle School Principal Chris Welch helped organize the involvement of Snow Hill Elementary School, Show Hill High School and the Worcester Technical High School, who will produce an array of fresh-baked treats.

Velenovsky said the large number of individuals and businesses who jumped onboard to contribute to the fundraiser was evidence of the impact McCormack, who opened Harvest Moon eight years ago, has made on the community.

“We’ve got some incredible donations,” she said.

They include chartered fishing trips, sports memorabilia, fishing rods, musical instruments, original glass art, rounds of golf, Ravens tickets and lodging at area establishments.

“We’ve also got tons of gift cards and merchandise from area restaurants,” she said.

Moving forward, Velenovsky said there would be further attempts to solicit financial support for McCormack as his medical costs continue to escalate.

“The cost is easily in the six figures,” she said.

Ticket cost $15 and are available for advance purchase at Harvest Moon Tavern, Taylor Bank’s Snow Hill branch and the Snow Hill Business Center.